Erasmus Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Jasmine

What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

The student lifestyle is great - tapas and other food and drink here is very cheap, and there are a wealth of Erasmus organisations who offer parties and excursions to other parts of Spain for very reasonable prices. There are so many Erasmus students from all over the globe (especially lots of italians who are very friendly), so there's a really international feel, combined with a distinctly Spanish atmosphere in the old town.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Salamanca to other students?

I would definitely recommend it. I've met so many fantastic people here, and there's a lot to see and do.

What is the food like?

Food here is yummy! But if you're from England, Germanic or Scandinavian countries you'll find that there's much less of an option here in Spain to be vegetarian (let alone vegan) - Spain is all about meat!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Salamanca?

I stayed in a cheap but clean youth hostel for a few days while I looked for an apartment. I was scared of not finding something, but there are more flats than students in Salamanca - you'll be fine.

How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

Anything between 150 - 300 euros a month. Some landlords do bills included. This is incredibly cheap to me as I'm from England where living costs are high!

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes and yes. Salamanca boasts that it has the "purest" and best Spanish of all of Spain. So there are no tricky accents. Although Spanish people do not seem to understand the concept of speaking more slowly or clearly to a foreigner. But you'll soon get the hang of it. There are a load of spanish courses and exchanges available to everyone too.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Salamanca from your city?

There isn't really an easy way - there's only one way. Get to Gatwick (I'm from the south of England - coach, train or lift from someone kind! ), fly to Madrid-Bajaras, and then get the Avanzabus coach from the airport to Salamanca! It's about 12 hours travelling for me in total. Could be worse I guess.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Salamanca?

Go wherever the party takes you most of the places I've been to are great.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Salamanca?

Bambü is nice and posh (they grow actual grass on the walls) - a bit more expensive than the average tapas bar, but good for a treat. There's an amazing steak restaurant in the Plaza Mayor (can't remember the name), and my favourite tapas place is in the tapas district - Calle Van Dyck - and it's called La Sidreria (I think) - very tasty and very cheap. And, all the tapas are on menus with pictures so you know what they are (the names often don't give it away! ).

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are Erasmus trips all over. I've been to Toledo, Valladolid, wine tasting in Zamora, you name it. Go where your heart takes you.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Salamanca in the future?

Have fun! And bring a winter coat because although it's very warm in September when you arrive, it'll suddenly turn freezing in mid November (trust me). Salamanca Love.

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